By Hassan Ibrahim
Zaria witnessed a landmark empowerment initiative as over 3,000 young men and women were trained in various vocational trades and provided with start-up capital to become self-reliant across the 13 wards of the local government area.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Sultan Muhammad Bello Hall of Barewa College, brought together community leaders, political representatives, women leaders, and beneficiaries who applauded the life-changing intervention.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Tukur Salisu Kakeyi expressed deep admiration for the initiative, describing it as a rare act of generosity where a private individual committed a portion of his wealth to train and empower youths with practical skills and financial support.
He urged well-meaning individuals in society to emulate such gestures and called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity so they too can uplift others.
Also addressing the gathering, Hon. Suleiman Ibrahim Dabo, Wakilin Birnin Zazzau, praised the focus on vocational skills, noting that while many young people pursue formal education, they often lack practical hand skills that can sustain them.
He emphasized that skills acquisition remains a vital foundation for community development.
A traditional ruler at the event echoed similar sentiments, stressing that community support should not be left to politicians alone.
He called on affluent individuals to support empowerment programmes, noting that many social vices such as theft and substance abuse stem from frustration and unemployment among youths.
Engineer Abubakar, popularly known as “NEPA,” said what impressed him most was seeing many young people previously idle in their homes now productively engaged in learning trades.
Murjanatu Abdul Hassan, Women Leader of the African Democratic Congress (Kaduna Zone One), expressed joy at the transformation among young men and women and encouraged them to remain steadfast and independent through the skills they had acquired.
The sponsor of the programme, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim, widely known as Ali Cairo, explained that the initiative was born out of concern for the economic hardship facing many families in Zaria and across the country.
He noted that not everyone can secure government employment, making vocational skills a practical pathway to daily income and self-sufficiency.
Through the programme, participants were trained in tailoring, shoemaking, bag production, perfume making, body cream and dairy lotion production, among other trades.
He disclosed that ₦500,000 was allocated to each ward for the training, with instructors moving from ward to ward to ensure effective learning. Beneficiaries who demonstrate mastery—groups of 10 to 20 trainees—will receive pooled start-up capital to begin their businesses.
Ali Cairo became emotional while addressing the crowd, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming love and prayers offered for his mother and mentor, Malam , which he said he would never forget.
He further stated that if given the opportunity to serve at the National Assembly, he has plans to expand such empowerment schemes to improve the living standards of more communities.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Aliya from Kofar Kuyambana i and A’isha Abdullahi, shared their appreciation and joy, describing the programme as a turning point in their lives.
The event marked the graduation ceremony of beneficiaries under the Ali Cairo Foundation in collaboration with the Skills Acquisition Centre, Zaria, celebrating a major step toward youth empowerment, self-reliance, and community development.
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